Pointe de Combe Bénite and Crêt du Rey

Access via the Tarentaise. From Albertville, go to Aime, turn left towards Tessens and Granier, where you will turn left again towards Thiabord. Park under La Traversaz, at the foot of the path leading to Thiabord.

(S/E) Follow the path uphill towards Thiabord d'en haut.

(1) Turn left towards Pra Spa and Pra Plan.

(2) At Pra Spa, turn right twice towards Lac de Guio.

(3) Walk along the lake on the right and join the ridge on the right at an altitude of 2,417 metres, then the Antécime de la Pointe de Combe Bénite.

(4) Continue northwards and reach the Pointe, which is now just a formality after a short descent.

(5) Descend via the ridge to the Col de Corne Noire and continue along the path.

(6) Here, leave the path and, losing as little elevation as possible, go around the plateau. Make a wide curve to the left and, following a trail that is clearly visible from a distance, reach the southern ridge.

(7) Climb up the ridge to the north. At around 2600 m, it slopes to the right (east) and leads to the summit of Crêt du Rey.

(8) Descend the steep, rocky north-east ridge. The slope then becomes gentler, and you will find yourself back at the top of the mountain pasture. At 2,500 m, turn right to rejoin the descent path.

(9) Continue along this east-northeast ridge until you reach the Lac de la Gouille.

(10) Turn right, straight down the slope, avoiding the lake on your right, and join the descent path.

(11) Turn right, pass close to the Chalet de la Pouprezaz, and continue downhill until you reach the crossroads with the signpost.

(12) Follow the signs for Verraret and Thiabord on the right. Pass above Lac de la Pouprezaz and climb up to a pretty pass: incorrect IGN route.

(13) Continue downhill and walk along Lac des Vacherins to reach a fork after two hairpin bends.

(14) Leave the road to Verraret on your left and take the road to Thiabord on your right.

(15) Cross the hamlet, keeping straight ahead, and head directly to the car park via the track (S/E).

There are a few streams along the route.

Be careful when descending from the two peaks.

Shortcuts are possible to reach the first ridge of Crêt du Rey.

Magnificent 360° view from the summit of Crêt du Rey: Aravis, Beaufortain, Vanoise, Mont Blanc, Péclet-Polset, Grandes Rousses, Aiguilles d'Arves, Vercors, Chartreuse, Bauges, etc. Incredible!

There is the option of a two-day hike, descending to the Refuge de la Coire from Crêt du Rey and returning via Crêt du Bœuf, Pierre Percée and Plan de la Cailla, for example.